Aloo Pohe/ Aloo Poha

Aloo Poha was one of my favourite dishes growing up. Poha was one of the most tastiest yet easy lunch items that my grandmom used to make. Just the aroma was enough to make us go for seconds whenever she makes it. A couple of my readers have been requesting for Aloo Poha for quite some time and this was reason enough. Today I had no cilantro, and no peas, yet I longed for recounting those beautiful memories, growing up!!!

INGREDIENTS:

1 Medium Onion.

3 Cups Thick Poha.

2 Potaotes steamed and cubed.

1 Tsp Sugar.

1/4 Tsp Turmeric Powder

1/2 Tsp Garam Masala Powder.

Salt to taste.

1 Tsp Lemon Juice.

Chopped Cilantro to garnish.

Seasonings:

1 Tsp Mustard Seeds.

1 Tsp Cumin Seeds.

A handful of peanuts (raw or roasted).

2 Green Chillies slit.

Curry leaves torn.

Hing.

PREPARATION:

Beaten Rice is a dehusked rice which is flattened to dry flakes. When added to any liquid like water, milk or buttermilk they swell up in size and volume.

Whenever I work with beaten rice, I am always reminded of Sabudhana which I use in making Delicious Sabudhana Khichdi.

Take your measured quantity of beaten rice and wash it in cold water. Drain away all the water by pouring the moist beaten rice on to a collander.

Add the required salt and mix it in lightly so as NOT to break the delicate grains of beaten rice. Sprinkle salt over the poha, mix and set aside until required and keep covered lightly.

Take a kadai and add 2 tsp of oil and allow to heat. Add mustard seeds and when its crackling, add jeera, slit green chillies, hing and the curry leaves.

Now add the handful of peanuts and then the finely chopped onions. Allow to saute and when its just beginning to brown add the cubed potaotes. If the potatoes are raw, chop them in to small pieces and pop them in the microwave for 3-4 minutes. This would speed the time spent on the stove and quicken the total time taken to prepare the poha .

If the potatoes are cooked and then cubed, add them to the onions, add peas if needed and then follow with turmeric powder and salt.

Cover and cook for a couple minutes and then add a spoon of sugar and mix it well.

Now add the moist poha and mix the onion masala to mix with the beaten rice. The beaten rice already has enough salt so if needed adjust this quantity.

Add 1/2 tsp garam masala powder and cook for a couple more minutes.

Finish off with squeezing fresh lemion juice and incorporate it in, Garnish with finely chopped cilantro.

Cover for at least 5-10 minutes before serving. Sometimes If I make this for kids, I add a dash of ghee and I must say I have been rewarded with requests for seconds!!!